2022 has been an AMAZING year and we couldn't have done it without you!
So many of you have helped us celebrate our first century of ministry this year. Thank you. It’s been an honor to hear the stories of calls heard, lives changed, friendships made, and even how several spouses met. Because of you, we’ve remembered what really makes this place so special. It’s the people, and the God they’ve encountered in this little corner of creation for 100 years.
While it has been both appropriate and a whole lot of fun to remember with you Massanetta’s past, beginning in January, we’ll step into a new century of ministry. It’s an appropriate time to think about Massanetta’s future. It will take the support of all of us to ensure that the future is vibrant. It will take the support of people just like you to be sure that 100 years from now, they’re celebrating the bi-centennial of Massanetta Springs. That’s why I’m asking you to prayerfully consider making Massanetta Springs part of your year-end generosity this year.
After two years of pandemic, things returned a bit more to “normal” this summer. It’s been great to welcome so many familiar faces home and to introduce others to the wonders of this place. Even though the world seems to be changing daily around us, we find that the impact we make is remaining constant. Just read some of the comments we received at the end of our camps and conferences this year.
“Middle School Conference is a place to worship the Lord in many ways. There is a good mix of fun, calm, and serious[ness]. The people are amazing, especially the Advocates.” -2022 Middle School Conference Participant
“I loved the people, the singing, the worship services, all of the kindness, the messages in both song and service.” -2022 Bible and Church Music Conference Participant
Massanetta is a place for worship, song, community, fellowship, friendship, and fun. Massanetta is a place to let the world outside our campus drop away for just a little while. And when guests can do that, we find time and again that God shows up in amazing and unexpected ways. Our mission statement begins with the words that we are to be “a place for all people to experience God.” Comments like the above remind us time and again how that happens here when people come expecting to meet God. We also find we are in a unique position to introduce the faith to people in a way that can be easily heard. This year I was reminded of that when I read the following comment from a Netta Day Camp parent:
“This was our first year doing Netta Day Camp and my son loved it! We are not a religious family so I was a little concerned he would be confused or feel left out of some conversations (and bible study time) but was pleasantly surprised to find he enjoyed learning new “stories” (his words) and was very open to discussing those topics. I love that he was exposed to religion in such an open and caring environment and that he felt no pressure or bias surrounding it…Thank you to everyone who cared for these kids and made this camp possible. We plan to sign up again next year!” -2022 Netta Day Camp Parent
How wonderful is it that this camper was able to slip right into camp and hear some of the core stories of our faith as simply “new stories?” How great is it that he was in an environment where he was immediately able to enter the discussion alongside other campers who had grown up with these stories? Your gifts make this happen. Thank you!
When Massanetta programs are at their best, we truly create “a place for all people.” As Netta Day Camp’s reach in the local community grows during our second century of ministry, creating this sort of environment will be essential. According to our registrations, nearly 30% of all Netta Day Camp participants self-identified as non-religious or not identified with a church. Welcoming in every camper, regardless of where they might be on a faith journey (or not on a journey right now at all), is a great measure of how successful our program is. And who knows how the seeds of “new stories” heard in the future might sprout and grow? We look forward to finding out as Netta Day Camp continues to create a safe, fun, and welcoming environment.
Providing both expected and unexpected opportunities to encounter the holy is what Massanetta Springs does. We need your help to make sure that continues to happen. Your gift before the end of 2022 will welcome youth groups who want to grow closer together and to God. Your gift before the end of 2022 makes space for children, youth, and adults to be inspired and challenged through amazing worship. Your gift before the end of 2022 lets so many people encounter God for the very first time in ways that feel welcoming, in ways they want to hear more. I invite you to join us as we boldly step into a new century of impactful ministry at Massanetta Springs.
You can be part of our story of nurturing faith, of welcoming the stranger and stewarding this holy place for a second century of ministry. Right now we’re preparing a summer of impactful conferences, working with local partners to provide temporary housing to refugees from around the world, and welcoming our local homeless community for several weeks. These are all things that help us be truly “a place for all people.” Will you join us? During this season of thanksgiving, make a big impact by renewing your support for Massanetta with a gift of $50, $100, or an amount that’s meaningful for you.